US Bridges

NC126 over Lake James Canal

Fair

Burke County, North Carolina · 0.1 MI.E.JCT.SR1234 · Structure no. 000000000230368

Built
1981
44 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
481 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
1,100
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

NC126 over Lake James Canal is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying NC126 over Lake James Canal in Burke County, North Carolina. It was built in 1981, so it is 44 years old, older than the North Carolina average of 38.7 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in fair condition with a lowest component rating of 6 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

It carries about 1,100 vehicles a day, roughly 7% of them trucks, projected to reach 2,200 by 2040. The structure is 481 ft (146.6 m) long and 37 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 17.4 mi (28 km).

Location

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CarriesNC126
CrossesLake James Canal
Location0.1 MI.E.JCT.SR1234
RouteState Highway 126
CountyBurke County
StateNorth Carolina
Coordinates35.74318, -81.88434
Functional classRural Major Collector

Condition and inspection

Fair

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionOctober 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating81.9 US tons
Inventory rating48 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3 (+2 approach)
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length481 ft (146.6 m)
Longest span135 ft (41.1 m)
Deck width37 ft (11.2 m)
Roadway width34 ft (10.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,100 (2022)
Projected traffic2,200 by 2040
Trucks7%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed17.4 mi (28 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was NC126 over Lake James Canal built?

It was built in 1981, making it 44 years old in 2025.

What condition is NC126 over Lake James Canal in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in fair condition. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound. The last reported inspection was in October 2023.

How much traffic does NC126 over Lake James Canal carry?

About 1,100 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 7% are trucks.

How long is NC126 over Lake James Canal?

The structure is 481 ft (146.6 m) long with a longest span of 135 ft (41.1 m) and a deck 37 ft wide.

Who owns NC126 over Lake James Canal?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.